Remember when you’d catch your reflection and actually smile at what you saw? If you’re like many of our patients in Portsmouth and throughout New Hampshire, that moment feels like a distant memory. Fine lines creep in around your eyes, sun spots appear seemingly overnight, and your skin’s texture just doesn’t bounce back the way it used to.
You’re definitely not alone in this. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports over 1.4 million laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in 2022 alone. Here’s something that might surprise you: 89% of patients say it’s the confidence boost they wished they’d given themselves years earlier.
And here’s the part that excites us most at Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics: the purpose of laser skin resurfacing isn’t just to look younger, it’s to feel genuinely confident in your own skin again. Whether you’re dealing with acne scars that have haunted you since high school, sun damage from all those beach days, or fine lines that seem to multiply overnight, this treatment has quickly become the gold standard for skin transformation.
With today’s advanced technology and our clinic’s extensive experience, the results are both remarkably safe and genuinely transformative. Let me walk you through exactly what happens and what you can realistically expect.
How Laser Skin Resurfacing Actually Works
Think of your skin like an old painting that needs careful restoration. Some treatments only touch up the surface, but laser resurfacing goes much deeper, rebuilding your skin from the inside out using your body’s own natural healing powers.
Here’s the fascinating science behind what’s happening:
Controlled Micro-Injury Process: Our Fractional CO2 resurfacing system creates thousands of tiny treatment zones, removing damaged skin layer by layer while strategically leaving surrounding healthy tissue completely intact. Think of it as creating a healing highway for your skin to regenerate.
Collagen Production Kickstart: This controlled process triggers your body’s natural healing response, ramping up collagen and elastin production like crazy. These are the proteins that kept your skin smooth, firm, and resilient when you were younger. The laser essentially tricks your body into thinking it’s young again.
Two Main Approaches We Use:
Ablative lasers (like our CO2 system): Remove outer layers of skin for dramatic results, ideal for deep wrinkles or significant sun damage. Recovery takes longer, but the payoff is substantial.
Non-ablative lasers: Work beneath the surface without removing the top layer, offering gradual improvements with minimal downtime. Perfect for patients with busy schedules.
At Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics, we use cutting-edge fractional technology from Rohrer Aesthetics. This allows us to precisely target your specific problem areas while keeping healthy skin completely untouched. The result? Faster healing times and more dramatic improvements compared to older laser systems that many clinics still use.
According to research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, patients treated with fractional systems show 40% better results and heal 25% faster than those treated with traditional methods.
What to Expect: Your Complete Treatment Journey
Knowing exactly what happens before, during, and after treatment makes the whole process feel much less intimidating. Let me walk you through each step so there are no surprises.
Before Your Treatment: You’ll meet with Dr. Ballentyne or a member of our experienced team to create a completely customized plan based on your unique skin type, concerns, and goals. We’ll also review important pre-treatment prep, like avoiding sun exposure and certain skincare products that might interfere with healing.
During the Procedure: We’ll apply a numbing cream about 30 minutes beforehand to keep you comfortable. The actual treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the area we’re treating. Most patients describe the sensation as warm, controlled prickling, similar to rubber band snaps but definitely manageable. You might hear a gentle zapping sound, which is completely normal.
Immediately After: Expect some redness and warmth, like a mild sunburn. This is actually a good sign that the treatment is working effectively. We’ll apply a specialized healing ointment and provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that are crucial for optimal results.
Your Recovery Timeline:
Days 1-3: Redness and skin tightness (we call this the “lobster phase,” and it’s perfectly normal).
Days 4-7: Your skin begins the peeling process, revealing fresh new layers underneath. This is when patience becomes your best friend.
Week 2: Redness starts fading significantly; you’ll notice smoother texture and more even tone.
Weeks 3-6: This is when the real magic happens. Collagen production kicks into high gear, fine lines soften, and texture continues evening out.
3 Months and Beyond: Full collagen remodeling occurs; your results actually continue improving for up to a year after treatment.
Real Results You Can Actually Expect
Let’s talk numbers for a moment. Clinical studies consistently show laser resurfacing can improve overall skin texture by up to 80% and reduce fine lines by 45-75%. But honestly, numbers don’t tell the full story here. It’s that look of genuine confidence patients get when they catch their reflection afterward that matters most to us.
Most patients notice these specific improvements:
- Dramatically smoother skin texture
- Significantly more even skin tone
- Noticeable reduction in fine lines and age spots
- Needing much less makeup to feel confident going out
How Long Do Results Last? Results typically last 3-5 years, especially when you maintain consistent sun protection and follow a good skin rejuvenation routine. Some patients schedule annual maintenance treatments to keep their glow looking fresh, but it’s not required.
One patient told me recently, “I finally look like I feel inside again.” That kind of transformation is exactly why we do what we do.
Why Choose Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics for Your Treatment
Here’s the truth nobody wants to say out loud: your face isn’t the place to cut corners or hunt for bargains. I’ve seen what happens when people try DIY alternatives or go to inexperienced providers, and the results can be disappointing or even unsafe.
At Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics, you’re getting something different:
Unmatched Expertise: Dr. Ballentyne brings decades of specialized experience and is among only 7% of doctors qualified as an expert injector for Allergan. That level of precision and expertise extends across all our aesthetic treatments, including our laser treatment services.
Advanced Technology: We offer multiple FDA-approved laser systems from Rohrer Aesthetics, allowing us to tailor your treatment perfectly to your skin type, specific concerns, and downtime tolerance.
Completely Customized Approach: Every single treatment plan is created specifically for you. No cookie-cutter protocols here, only what’s safest and most effective for your unique skin.
Proven Safety Record: We’ve performed thousands of successful treatments with consistently excellent results and minimal complications.
The difference between professional treatment at our practice and alternatives isn’t just about better results (though ours definitely speak for themselves). It’s about safety, proper assessment, and having someone who truly understands how your specific skin will heal and respond.
Get Your Confidence Back
Laser skin resurfacing isn’t about chasing some impossible standard of perfection or trying to look like someone else entirely. It’s about restoring your confidence and helping you age gracefully on your own terms.
The science behind modern laser technology is solid. The clinical results are consistently proven. And with the right provider who truly understands your goals, the experience can be genuinely transformative.
Every day you wait is another day you could be enjoying smoother, more youthful-looking skin and feeling amazing about your reflection. The question isn’t whether you’ll see results with professional laser resurfacing (you absolutely will), but rather when you’re ready to invest in feeling confident in your skin again.
Ready to rediscover what it feels like to love your reflection? Schedule your consultation at Ballentyne Medical Aesthetics today. Call us at (603) 319-8432 or fill out our new patient form.
Your future self will definitely thank you for taking this step.
FAQs
How long do laser resurfacing results actually last?
Most patients enjoy their results for 3-5 years, with continuous improvements occurring for up to a year as your collagen fully remodels. Individual results vary based on skin type, lifestyle factors, and sun exposure habits.
Is laser skin resurfacing safe for all skin types and tones?
Yes, our advanced FDA-approved systems are specifically designed to be safe and effective for all ethnic groups and skin colors, including tanned skin. During your consultation, we’ll carefully assess your skin type and customize the treatment accordingly.
When can I wear makeup again after treatment?
For ablative treatments like fractional CO2, most patients can return to wearing makeup 5-7 days after treatment, once new skin has formed. With non-ablative treatments, many patients can use mineral makeup as early as the next day. We’ll provide specific guidance based on your healing progress during follow-up appointments.
